"They have not seen significant time due to injuries," Cohen said. "As a result, we are struggling to find our identity, but we're working to establish one. We have had players getting their first varsity-level experience on the field, in many cases out of position."

Prospect has struggled on both ends of the field. During the losing skid, the Knights have allowed a total of 13 goals while scoring only four.

"Defensively, we are trying to gain a sense of cohesiveness and maintain consistency," Cohen said. "We are working to eliminate the breakdowns that give opposing teams dangerous opportunities. (Senior goalkeeper) Peter Flynn has been called upon too many times, as miscommunication in the back has directly led to opposing scoring opportunities."

Cohen said that the play of sophomore defender Grant Whitebloom has been a bright spot in the back, adding that junior midfielder Adam Savoia -- who tallied Prospect's lone goal against Palatine -- "has done a nice job up top."

The Knights will look to get back in the win column when Buffalo Grove visits for a 6:30 p.m. start Thursday.

"Buffalo Grove is a team that capitalizes on mistakes and likes to dictate the tempo of the game," Cohen said. "We are going to do our best to play our system, stay organized and take advantage of opportunities."

The Bison have been up and down so far, dropping to 3-4-0 overall after being topped by host Conant 3-1 in MSL East action Tuesday.

Previously, BG finished seventh in the New Trier Invitational on the strength of 1-0 decision over Niles West on Saturday. The Bison allowed 11 goals in their first three matches of the invite, all against high-powered rivals: 4-2 to the host Trevians; 4-0 to No. 1-ranked St. Charles East; and 3-2 to MSL rival and 2013 state runner-up Wheeling.

Head coach Rick Carlson's crew opened the campaign with a pair of wins, knocking off Glenbrook North 2-1 on Aug. 25 and nipping Glenbrook North 1-0 three days later.

Last season, Buffalo Grove finished 8-9-6 after falling to Barrington in a sectional final.